Narendra Modi to write to sarpanchs seeking iron for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue

Chief Minister Narendra Modi will urge nearly 1.87 crore sarpanchs across the country to send soil and iron for construction of the 'tallest statue' of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gujarat Urban Development Minister Anandiben Patel said here today.

"Modi will be writing letters to as many as 1.87 crore sarpanchs to send soil and iron agriculture equipment to Gujarat, along with a group photo, which will be displayed at an appropriate convention centre," she said.

The 'run for unity', organised across 565 districts in the country, will not only mark the death anniversary of independent India's first home minister but also launch preparations for construction of his statue which will be tallest in world, she said. The 182-metre-tall statue will come up on the banks of Narmada river, foundation stone for which was led by Modi in October.

Patel informed that various competitions, including essay writing for school children, will be organised by the state government. "The cash prizes for competitions total Rs 2.50 crore and the expenses will be met from public participation."

Patel was accompanied in her visit to the city by Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Vinod Tawde, besides Gujarat MPs Jayashreeben Patel and C R Patil, MLAs Rushikesha Patel, R M Patel and Kanubhai Desai and Surat city Mayor Niranjan Jhanjhmera.